In addition to our previous funding announcement, the ECFA has awarded funding to the Estonian Choir in Adelaide, “Hapu Koor” for new traditional choir shirts.
ADELAiDe EESTI SELTS – Estonian Choir “HAPU KOOR”
Hapu Koor was formed in 2010 to perform at Eesti Päevad. The original group of 15 men and women has grown to 22 members. While the group is essentially an adult group, it includes and encourages young Estonians to participate, with the youngest member 12 years old. The group consists of fluent Estonian speakers, minimal Estonian speakers and has recently welcomed young Estonians adults who have emigrated and settled in Adelaide.
The choir lead is Ms Kadri Auväärt who professionally works as a school leader in a South Australian government school and is a Certificate 3 Music Industry Trainer. On 28th February 2021, Kadri was presented with an Aukiri for in excess of 20 years of service and leadership of Hapu Koor, her involvement in the Adelaide Estonian Folk Dancing Group and broader community service. Hapu Koor has a broader leadership group that consists of Kai Holt, Tina Fontaine and Peter Bailiht.
Hapu Koor sings and performs traditional songs and in particular, with the arrival of young Estonians now living in Adelaide, is exploring contemporary and popular Estonian music. Hapu Koor is clearly a choir for both fun and performance.
Some members also participate in Kooskõlas, the Australian Estonian Choir. They self-fund travel and accommodation.
“It is encouraging to see Estonian groups operating across the country, and we are happy to support these groups.”
Hapu Koor plans to make new traditional choir shirts produced by local Estonian seamstresses with traditional woven belts (produced by the weaver’s group) to help enhance their uniform.
Awarded $2,000.
The Estonian Cultural Foundation in Australia (ECFA) uses its funds every year to support various groups or projects which aim to further Estonian culture and language across Australia, and bring together people with Estonian heritage or interests. This includes any activities held anywhere in Australia, and we look at these as partnerships where we support these activities.
To date, we have only been able to allocate funding according to the profits from our investments, so any donations or bequests which will be used to enhance Estonian heritage in Australia will be welcomed.
